Perennial fellowship

The people we help describe Perennial as a ‘lifeline’, often turning to us at crisis point. Our team of professional, highly trained caseworkers and debt advisers work tirelessly to ensure no one is left feeling alone and unsupported.

From gardeners, landscapers and designers, to nursery workers, arborists and grounds staff, Perennial’s services are tailored to a person’s specific needs and situation. The charity was established in the Victorian era as a pension fund for head gardeners, who often lost their tied accommodation and income on retirement. Today Perennial’s support and advice extends to all those working in the horticulture industry and over 70% of the people we help are of working age. As awareness of the charity’s services continues to grow, this percentage is likely to rise even further.

We are planning for a future in which every one of the estimated 500,000 people who work in horticulture knows about Perennial and how to access our services. To ensure we can respond quickly to every new request for help we need to have resources ready and available. The Perennial Fellowship will help us to do this, giving us the flexibility to reach many more horticulturists, including those in the remotest parts of the UK.

Perennial Fellowship

 

 

 

Contact Us

To join the Fellowship, please contact us today

Telephone | 01372 373962

Email | fellowship@perennial.org.uk


Perennial Fellow

“As a keen amateur plantsman and collector I appreciate the skill and dedication that all those who work in horticulture must demonstrate to hone their craft.

But working in this industry can be tough and it doesn’t take much of a change in someone’s financial, family or personal situation to turn success into crisis. Perennial helps people and their families who, at best, face daily choices between heating and food, and at worst have been driven to take their own life to escape their situation.

I have joined the Perennial Fellowship as a founding member because I want to make a commitment to the work of the only charity dedicated to supporting all horticulturists in times of need and to help safeguard its future.

Join me as a Perennial Fellow, and help change lives for the better, forever.”

Stuart Donachie, Perennial Fellow

Changing Lives

 
Marek & Ann Marie’s story

Marek worked as a tree surgeon and conservation manager at a golf course before his accident. He had a young family, with a baby on the way, when he fell from a tree while helping a friend at the weekend. His fall resulted in severe brain injury and a medically induced coma.

A dangerous build-up of pressure in his head forced doctors to remove part of Marek’s skull. The surgery saved his life, but left him with lifelong brain damage, regular seizures and the inability to work again.

Marek’s partner Ann Marie was left to look after their young family alone. She had never heard of Perennial, but luckily a friend referred their case to the charity and a caseworker visited her at home within a week of the accident. Perennial helped with financial arrangements, including assisting Ann Marie in accessing Marek’s bank account, as well as being there as emotional support.

Marek still suffers regular seizures and requires frequent visits to hospital. With Perennial’s help Ann Marie cares for Marek at home and ensures their young family is safe and provided for.


Simon was a landscape gardener but due to ongoing debilitating mental health issues has been unable to work for many years. Last year Employment Support Allowance (ESA) assessors found him fit for work, which not only reduced his income but also required him to actively seek work. His mental health condition prevented him from attending the Jobcentre and as a result his benefits were stopped leaving him with no income.

Simon’s gas and electricity supply relies on prepaid fuel cards, and following his benefit cuts he was living without heating, lights or hot water. Due to his situation, Simon’s mental health had worsened and by the time a Perennial caseworker visited him, he was unable to leave his home.

We immediately helped by awarding a crisis grant to credit Simon’s fuel cards so he could put the heating on and have a hot meal. After assessing the full situation, Perennial took the ESA to tribunal and won. As a result Simon’s ESA has been reinstated. We will continue to help him access mental healthcare and to assist him financially for as long as he needs us.


“Six months ago, Perennial gave me support and quick, practical financial help at a difficult time in my life.
Thanks to Perennial’s help at that critical time, I now see a way forward and am re-launching my gardening business, confident about my future.”
Jenny, Gardener

 

Perennial Fellowship

 

 

 

Contact Us

To join the Fellowship, please contact us today

Telephone | 01372 373962

Email | fellowship@perennial.org.uk


Perennial Fellow

“As a keen amateur plantsman and collector I appreciate the skill and dedication that all those who work in horticulture must demonstrate to hone their craft.

But working in this industry can be tough and it doesn’t take much of a change in someone’s financial, family or personal situation to turn success into crisis. Perennial helps people and their families who, at best, face daily choices between heating and food, and at worst have been driven to take their own life to escape their situation.

I have joined the Perennial Fellowship as a founding member because I want to make a commitment to the work of the only charity dedicated to supporting all horticulturists in times of need and to help safeguard its future.

Join me as a Perennial Fellow, and help change lives for the better, forever.”

Stuart Donachie, Perennial Fellow

Fellowship of Friends

The Perennial Fellowship takes its inspiration from the pioneering group of socially responsible landowners and leading social influencers who, in 1839, founded a charity to provide welfare support to horticulturists long before state-funded provision.

Perennial fellowship

It takes courage, compassion and commitment to blaze a trail. We have established the Perennial Fellowship as a union of like-minded individuals committed to making an impact on the future of horticulturists in need of Perennial’s modern and responsive welfare services.

Our Fellowship members can be confident that their annual donation will make a significant impact on the lives of people who need it most.


Your gift could change lives for the better, forever

A suggested annual contribution of £2,500 or more will help to make a real difference to horticulturists in desperate need. The contribution also includes the opportunity to access benefits for twelve months following receipt of your donation.

Your gift can be paid as a one-off donation, by regular Direct Debit or Standing Order. We will honour this support by providing a unique range of benefits. These include:

  • Invitations to exclusive Fellowship events
  • Complimentary access to our gardens at York Gate, Fullers Mill and the Laskett for two people (April to September)
  • Priority booking for our annual programme of special garden tours and events (For up to four people per event)
  • Acknowledgement in our Annual Report (if desired)
  • Dedicated staff member as key contact

Our work is ongoing and continuing support is crucial. We hope you will renew your membership each year to continue to enjoy the benefits of the Perennial Fellowship and making a difference to thousands of people’s lives across the UK.

Perennial Fellowship

 

 

 

Contact Us

To join the Fellowship, please contact us today

Telephone | 01372 373962

Email | fellowship@perennial.org.uk


Perennial Fellow

“As a keen amateur plantsman and collector I appreciate the skill and dedication that all those who work in horticulture must demonstrate to hone their craft.

But working in this industry can be tough and it doesn’t take much of a change in someone’s financial, family or personal situation to turn success into crisis. Perennial helps people and their families who, at best, face daily choices between heating and food, and at worst have been driven to take their own life to escape their situation.

I have joined the Perennial Fellowship as a founding member because I want to make a commitment to the work of the only charity dedicated to supporting all horticulturists in times of need and to help safeguard its future.

Join me as a Perennial Fellow, and help change lives for the better, forever.”

Stuart Donachie, Perennial Fellow

Fellowship Events

Fellowship update – Coronavirus Covid-19

We thank you for your patience and understanding whilst we deal with the changing government advice and information influencing the safe running of our Fellowship Events programme.

 

Fellowship Events 2021

We are pleased to present our wonderful Fellowship events for 2021. The Fellows event programme offers ‘money can’t buy’ experiences to some of the most exclusive gardens in the UK for you and a guest. We want to introduce new people to the Perennial Fellowship and with over 180 years of experience, we know the importance of our regular donors. The number of people we helped increased by 25% in 2020 which is why we need your support more than ever.

27 February | The Laskett Gardens Snowdrop Event – CANCELLED 

The Laskette SnowdropSir Roy Strong invites you to join him for a rare and exclusive visit of his garden, created with his late wife Dr Julia Trevelyan Oman, in the heart of winter. Emma Lady Monson will give a short talk about Galanthus Mrs. Macnamara syn. ‘Under Milk Wood’. Guests will also be treated to a rare snowdrop theatre display followed by a hearty three course winter feast with wine in The Colonnade Court. (Image © Jonathan Myles-Lea)


(Date TBC) | Lords Cricket Ground

Lord's CricketTo celebrate the amazing work done by groundsmen and turf specialists across the country, we will take a behind the scenes tour of Lords and meet the Head Groundsman, Karl McDermott, who looks after this hallowed turf. The afternoon will start with a light lunch with a view out to Lords cricket ground


(Date TBC) | Stanley Gardens South Notting Hill

Stanley GardensA chance to explore one of the historic Ladbroke Estate’s private gardens. The gardens committee of Stanley Gardens South and Perennial are hosting an evening of live music including a picnic dinner. Perennial Fellows will be greeted at a drinks reception before heading into the gardens. There will be a presentation about the work of Perennial and how the Fellowship helps promote our work. Fellows can invite up to three guests.


(Date TBC) | Cheshire

CheshireWith views out over the Pennines, the Welsh hills and Jodrell Bank, Higher Mutlow Farm sits in just over five acres, with a further 13 acres of woodland. Join us for a tour of these wonderful gardens designed by the owners Pam and Rob Barrow inspired by conversations with Arne Maynard. We will be joined by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire. All Fellows may be joined by guests to promote the Fellowship and the work of Perennial.


21-26 September | Chelsea Flower Show Tours

Chelsea Flower ShowAfter their popularity in 2019, our personalised tours at RHS Chelsea Flower Show are back. Let us know when you are going to be at the show and we can introduce you to the designers and visit the gardens in various categories including the Main Avenue. Your tour will include champagne and a bite to eat according to your schedule.


27 September | Rosy and Wine

Rosy and WineA tour of the award winning Coates and Seely English sparkling wine vineyards and Hardy’s Cottage Plants. This tour will allow us to see some of the finest examples of growers in Britain. Rosy Hardy will be on hand to give us a tour of her multi RHS gold medal winning nursery. Between these two tours we will have lunch at The Watership Down Inn, Whitchurch Hampshire. Date, dependent on grape harvest.


14 October | Festival Dinner 2021

Festival DinnerThe 2021 Festival Dinner will include five-star hospitality from the wonderful team at One Whitehall Place. Enjoy a pre-dinner sparkling drinks reception, three course meal with wine and tea/coffee and petit fours in the historical Whitehall Suite. This magnificent room – originally the Billiards Room of the National Liberal Club offers superb views over the Whitehall Gardens, the River Thames and the London Eye. To book please contact Ed Charles or call the office on 07908 823152 (Image © Gavin Dickson)

Perennial Fellowship

 

 

 

Contact Us

To join the Fellowship, please contact us today

Telephone | 01372 373962

Email | fellowship@perennial.org.uk


Perennial Fellow

“As a keen amateur plantsman and collector I appreciate the skill and dedication that all those who work in horticulture must demonstrate to hone their craft.

But working in this industry can be tough and it doesn’t take much of a change in someone’s financial, family or personal situation to turn success into crisis. Perennial helps people and their families who, at best, face daily choices between heating and food, and at worst have been driven to take their own life to escape their situation.

I have joined the Perennial Fellowship as a founding member because I want to make a commitment to the work of the only charity dedicated to supporting all horticulturists in times of need and to help safeguard its future.

Join me as a Perennial Fellow, and help change lives for the better, forever.”

Stuart Donachie, Perennial Fellow

Join Us

“Perennial needs regular, sustainable support that it can rely on every year to invest in existing services and plan new ways of helping people. I am proud to count myself among the founding members of the Perennial Fellowship and look forward to seeing the organisation grow in response to those who need it most.”

Pam Barrow, Perennial Fellow

A suggested annual contribution of £2,500 or more will help to make a real difference to horticulturists in desperate need. The contribution also includes the opportunity to access benefits for twelve months following receipt of your donation. Your gift can be paid as a one-off donation, by regular Direct Debit or Standing Order.

Whether passionate about plants or helping people, by becoming a Perennial Fellow you will be joining a group of friendly people who are all making a significant difference to the lives of people who work in horticulture.

Our Fellowship is a unique opportunity to become more involved with Perennial, making a significant difference to our work whilst also becoming closer to the charity and learning more about what we do, and how we do it.

We all have a connection to horticulture, whether it’s enjoying the great parks and gardens of the UK, or working to create them, and Perennial wants to ensure that all those who uphold our great horticultural skills and traditions are supported to maintain these beautiful spaces for generations to come.

Fellowship

Perennial Fellowship

 

 

 

Contact Us

To join the Fellowship, please contact us today

Telephone | 01372 373962

Email | fellowship@perennial.org.uk


Perennial Fellow

“As a keen amateur plantsman and collector I appreciate the skill and dedication that all those who work in horticulture must demonstrate to hone their craft.

But working in this industry can be tough and it doesn’t take much of a change in someone’s financial, family or personal situation to turn success into crisis. Perennial helps people and their families who, at best, face daily choices between heating and food, and at worst have been driven to take their own life to escape their situation.

I have joined the Perennial Fellowship as a founding member because I want to make a commitment to the work of the only charity dedicated to supporting all horticulturists in times of need and to help safeguard its future.

Join me as a Perennial Fellow, and help change lives for the better, forever.”

Stuart Donachie, Perennial Fellow